Seven families in France have launched legal proceedings against TikTok, accusing the social media platform of exposing their teenage children to harmful content, allegedly resulting in two suicides among 15-year-olds.
Represented by lawyer Laure Boutron-Marmion, the families claim that TikTok’s algorithm presented the teenagers with disturbing videos, including those promoting suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders.
This lawsuit, filed in the Créteil judicial court, is reportedly the first of its kind in Europe to unite families in a case against TikTok.
The plaintiffs argue that TikTok should be held legally responsible for the content delivered to its users, particularly as the platform attracts many underage consumers.
Boutron-Marmion noted that the platform, as a commercial entity, should address the “deficiencies” in the service it provides to vulnerable, young users.
TikTok, alongside other major social media platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, has been under fire for the mental health impact of its content on young people.
Numerous lawsuits in the United States accuse these companies of designing addictive platforms that influence the mental well-being of children and adolescents.
TikTok has not yet commented on the French families’ legal claims. However, the platform has previously said it is focused on safeguarding young users, with CEO Shou Zi Chew pointing to recent investments aimed at bolstering protections for minors on the app.
